Foucault's Analysis of Modern Governmentality: A Critique of Political Reason

Lemke's book provides a comprehensive analysis of Foucault's work on power and government, showing how ethics and subjectivation are integrated into his political concerns. It also explores how the concept of government was taken up in different lines of research in France before it gave rise to governmentality studies in the Anglophone world.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 464 pages
\n Publication date: 26 February 2019
\n Publisher: Verso Books
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Lemke's comprehensive and systematic exploration of Michel Foucault's work on power and government from 1970 until his passing in 1984 is a valuable contribution to the field. Through his meticulous analysis, Lemke convincingly demonstrates that Foucault's profound concern with ethics and forms of subjectivation permeated his political concerns and his analytical insights into power. This book also sheds light on the historical context in which the concept of government was taken up in different lines of research in France before it gave rise to governmentality studies in the Anglophone world.

A Critique of Political Reason: Foucault's Analysis of Modern Governmentality is a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating work that challenges readers to rethink their understanding of government and power. The book is divided into several chapters, each exploring different aspects of Foucault's analysis. Lemke begins by providing a historical overview of Foucault's work, tracing his intellectual development from his early studies in philosophy to his later writings on power and government.

In the subsequent chapters, Lemke delves into Foucault's concept of government, examining how it has evolved over time and its relationship to other forms of power such as discipline, surveillance, and biopower. He also explores Foucault's notion of governmentality, which refers to the ways in which government is not only a set of institutions but also a set of practices and discourses that shape individuals and society.

One of the key strengths of A Critique of Political Reason is Lemke's ability to bring together diverse strands of Foucault's work and to demonstrate their interconnectedness. He shows how Foucault's analysis of power and government can be applied to a wide range of social and political phenomena, from the rise of the prison system to the emergence of neoliberalism.

Another notable aspect of the book is its accessibility. Lemke's writing is clear and concise, making it accessible to students and scholars from a variety of disciplines. He provides ample footnotes and references to support his arguments, and his use of visual aids such as diagrams and tables helps to illustrate his points.

Despite its strengths, A Critique of Political Reason is not without its limitations. Some readers may find Foucault's dense and complex writing style challenging, and some may question the relevance of his analysis to contemporary political and social issues. However, those who are willing to invest the time and effort to engage with Foucault's work will find A Critique of Political Reason to be a valuable and insightful resource.

In conclusion, Lemke's A Critique of Political Reason: Foucault's Analysis of Modern Governmentality is a must-read for anyone interested in Foucault's work on power and government. The book provides a clear and well-structured exposition of Foucault's ideas, and its accessibility makes it suitable for a wide range of readers. While it may not be without its limitations, it is a valuable contribution to the field and will continue to inspire and challenge scholars for years to come.

\n Weight: 692g\n
Dimension: 233 x 164 x 35 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781786636454\n \n